Full Breakdown
Senate Blocks Resolution to Deny Military Honors to Ashli Babbitt
9/12/2025, 5:09:57 AM
Overview of the Conflict
On September 10, 2025, the U.S. Senate witnessed a contentious debate regarding military funeral honors for Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran who was shot during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) introduced a resolution aimed at preventing the U.S. Air Force from granting these honors, which was met with strong opposition from Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), who blocked the measure.
Key Figures in the Debate
- Ashli Babbitt: A 14-year Air Force veteran who was shot by Capitol Police while attempting to breach a restricted area during the January 6 insurrection.
- Senator Ruben Gallego: A Marine veteran and vocal critic of the January 6 rioters, he argued that Babbitt's actions disqualified her from receiving military honors.
- Senator Tommy Tuberville: Defended Babbitt's eligibility for honors, asserting that she earned them through her military service.
Core Arguments
Gallego contended that Babbitt's participation in the Capitol riot constituted a betrayal of her military oath, stating, “She didn’t die protecting our country. She died trying to tear it down.” He emphasized that military honors are reserved for those who uphold the Constitution, arguing that granting them to Babbitt would undermine the sacrifices of genuine service members.
In contrast, Tuberville characterized Gallego's resolution as a "pathetic attempt" to strip Babbitt of her earned honors, asserting that she was never charged with a crime and that the resolution would only serve to punish her family. He stated, “This is nothing more than political grandstanding.”
Official Responses
The Air Force had initially denied Babbitt military honors under the Biden administration, citing the circumstances of her death. However, this decision was reversed in August 2025 by the Trump administration, which offered her family military honors. Tuberville referenced this reversal in his defense of Babbitt, arguing that the honors were rightfully hers due to her service.
Criticism & Opposition
Gallego's resolution faced significant pushback from Republicans, who argued that it was an unjust attack on a veteran's legacy. Tuberville questioned why similar resolutions were not proposed for veterans involved in other controversial events, suggesting a double standard in how military honors are applied.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Tuberville emphasized that Babbitt had not been convicted of a crime, Gallego pointed to her actions during the riot as disqualifying under Section 985 of Title 10 of the United States Code, which states that military honors can be denied if a veteran's actions bring discredit upon their service. This legal interpretation remains a point of contention.
What's Next
The Senate's failure to pass Gallego's resolution leaves the Air Force's decision to grant military honors to Babbitt intact. The ongoing debate reflects broader divisions within U.S. politics regarding the legacy of the January 6 insurrection and its participants. As the political landscape evolves, further discussions on military honors and their implications for veterans involved in controversial actions may arise.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She didn’t die protecting our country. She died trying to tear it down.” — Senator Ruben Gallego
- “This resolution is nothing more than a pathetic attempt to strip away the earned honors of a veteran who deployed seven times during her many years in the United States Air Force,” — Senator Tommy Tuberville
- “To give them to Babbitt would be a spit in the face to … every veteran who died defending this country.” — Senator Ruben Gallego
